What is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the tough band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles in the back of the lower leg to your heel bone (calcaneus). Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in It mainly occurs in people playing recreational sports, but it can happen to anyone. Achilles tendonitis can worsen and cause rupture in the tissue if not treated properly, so address the problem promptly is recommended to prevent further injury that requires expensive surgery.

Symptoms

The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity.  Long periods of more-severe pain may occur after running, stair climbing or sprinting. You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.

Causes

Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, which can make it more susceptible to injury — particularly in people who may participate in recreational sports or who have suddenly increased the intensity of their running programs.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to prevent Achilles tendinitis, you can take measures to reduce your risk:

• Increase your activity level gradually. If you’re just beginning an exercise regimen, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise.
• Take it easy. Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons, such as hill running. If you participate in these activities warm up first by exercising at a slower pace. If you notice pain during a these exercise, stop and rest.
• Choose your shoes carefully. Replace any worn out shoes. The shoes you wear while exercising should provide adequate cushioning for your heel and should have a firm arch support to help reduce the tension in the Achilles tendon. At Foot Dynamics we have a wide variety of orthotic shoes for achilles tendonitis tailored to provide the utmost comfort. Come visit us today to find the perfect fit for you!
• Stretch daily. Take the time to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning, before exercise and after exercise to maintain flexibility and prevent injury in the tissue. This is especially important to avoid an injury in the Achilles tendon
• Strengthen your calf muscles. Strong calf muscles enable the calf and Achilles tendon to better handle the stresses that come with activity and exercise.